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Most Popular Quick Diets

Fad diets are popular because people want to lose weight in a short period without much effort. Many quick diets, however, call for extreme measures and are not necessarily healthy or ideal for long term results. But they can help you lose weight fast.

  1. Grapefruit Diet

    • Invented by Dr. Kelly Brownwell in 1930, the Grapefruit Diet claims you can lose 10 lbs. in 12 days. The idea behind the diet is that eating half a grapefruit prior to three small, high protein meals can promote weight loss. Grapefruit is believed to contain fat-burning enzymes and also reduce appetite. According to scientists at the Nutrition and Medical Research Center in San Diego, the diet works -- but because of the calorie restrictions, it is not suitable for long term use.

    Lemonade Diet

    • The lemonade diet, also known as the "Master Cleanse," is a 10 day liquid diet that uses a lemonade drink to detoxify the body and suppress appetite. The lemonade is a mixture of lemon juice, cayenne pepper, water and maple syrup. Dieters should drink about six to 10 cups of lemonade a day or as often as they feel hungry. Dieters can expect weight loss but it will be likely be from water weight. Liquid diets should not be used as a long term weight loss solution.

    Raw Foods Diet

    • The Raw Foods Diet can last a few days or up to three weeks. The diet requires that 3/4 of your menu consist of uncooked vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts. It is believed that cooking foods adds harmful compounds that are bad for your health. The diet is ideal for vegetarians -- but those following the diet are permitted to consume raw milk and meats as well. The diet is naturally low in calories and fat so it is likely that you will lose weight quickly. The nutrients provided can benefit your long term health as well.

    Cabbage Soup Diet

    • The Cabbage Soup diet can help you lose 10 lbs. in one week. It is a diet consisting of unlimited amounts of cabbage soup in addition to lots of water. Dieters can eat other foods but they must be consumed only on certain days and in very specific quantities. For example, day four of the diet consists only of cabbage soup, up to eight bananas and skim milk. Overall, the diet is low in fat, calories and carbohydrates so it can aid in weight loss. However, the strictness and lack of variety could make it hard to stick with.

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